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A CHRISTMAS FAIRY TALE by DebWeb Dedicated to the hidden child, who resides in all of us. I know a bank where the wild thyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding violet grows, Quite over-canopied with luscious woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine: There sleeps Titania sometime of the night, Lull'd in these flowers with dances and delight; And there the snake throws her enamell'd skin, Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE "A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM" The unassuming village of Brea was a quaint little village that lay within the Shire of Aberdeen. Located in a valley surrounded by verdant rolling hills of lush greenery, most of the year that is until July when the purple invasion intrudes upon the landscape. Don't worry about this forceful visitor as the locals always celebrated when it had made its presence known. Yes all in all a quite an unremarkable rural oasis of tranquillity. Tranquil for most that is. One of the exceptions was a quiet sensitive boy who went by the name of Adam Andersen. Adam was very much a loner one of those people who in general was never noticed within any social gathering. You might think this would upset a sensitive soul such as Billy but then you would be very much mistaken. Adam enjoyed being invisible, all the sustenance he relied upon was the love of his family. To love and be loved by the close knit family he was part of was all he required to help him endure even his darkest hours. Adam lived in a picture perfect white cottage sheltered below a thatched roof which always emanated a golden glow underneath a warm summer sun. He loved this house every time he approached it he felt a sense of warmth and security. This house was his lifeblood, his heartbeat, his sanctuary from what seemed like an uncaring world. Sounds a bit overdramatic doesn't it? Well not for Adam, this was all he had to live for. Still sounds a little dramatic? Let the story of Adam unfold then decide. >< Margaret was a born worrier, she just couldn't help herself she just wanted everyone to be happy (maybe it was a curse inherited from the family gene pool, or else it might be a gift?) "What are you fussing over now lassie?" "Oh it's nothing of importance nana, really it isn't." "Come on lassie, I know something's bothering you, spit it out lassie." It always irked Margaret that Nana Blunt could read her like a book, it almost seemed as if Nana see inside her head and see her innermost thoughts. "I'm just a little bit worried about Adam, I expected him to be home by now." "I understand dear but Adam is a special child, no harm will come to him. Margaret loved and respected Nana Blunt, she had lived such a long time and the wisdom she imparted was a source of strength for her when she was at her most worrisome. "But Nan, Adam is so vulnerable at the moment he really shouldn't be alone, especially at this time of year." "Why do you worry over your brother so, you have a younger sister to impart the benefit of your experience." "Nana Blunt, Millicent is quite capable of looking after herself and you know she has a good friend to hang out with." "So what irks you so much, child?" Oh, Nana, Adam is the best brother I could ever hope for but..." "Good morning all, why the serious faces? Cheer up guys it will soon be Christmas." "Sometimes there are more important things than a Christmas dinner Lanky and I'm trying to have a heart to heart with your daughter if you don't mind." Oh dear what bad timing, I hope Nan and daddy are not going to start another one of their bantering acts. They love each other really but sometimes daddy's exuberance tends to annoy Nana. Daddy isn't Lanky by the way, well he is but he isn't. What I mean is how do I put it politely? Daddy is what mummy calls rotund but I'm not sure what that word means. To me he is plump and jovial but lanky he is not. What I'm trying to say is, his name is Lancaster I think he was named after granny Anderson's favourite actor Bart or something like that. "Everything's fine daddy let me make a pot of tea for you and mammy to enjoy in bed with your morning newspapers." "You sit there sweetheart, for an eleven year old you shouldn't fuss over the rest of us so much. I'm quite capable of putting the kettle on." After much banging and clanking and minus another cup in the crockery department "Lanky" headed back to his bedroom. Poor Margaret fretted over yet another broken cup as she swept up the remnants into the dustpan. "Come sit child we haven't finished our talk yet." Margaret exhaled a long sigh she should have known this conversation could not be avoided. Nana Blunt may be very old she thought but still sharp as a tack. "You know Adam is always at his lowest at this time of year Nan, but this year is different I feel like we are going to lose him forever. Margaret fought a losing battle to stem the tears that inevitably rolled down her plump cheeks. Nana looked upon the child with such pride, that this little girl was so full of love and compassion for her family and wise beyond her eleven years on this earth. What concerned Nana Blunt was the cost of this gift of insight it could be a source of so much pain if not handled correctly. This family was blessed from heaven, as the powers that decreed had sent this little angel down to grace their family and enrich the lives of all who knew her. "I understand your concern child, Adam is going through a dark chapter in life but there will be light in the near future, we just have to persevere." Margaret was an intelligent girl but sometimes she was totally nonplussed at Nana's nuggets of wisdom. "I'm sure you're right Nan but I'm just worried about the here and now. I don't know if Adam has enough strength to see in this Christmas never mind the next." "Have patience dear, Nana chided, there are more things in this world other than heaven and earth." Nana could be so obtuse sometimes but Margaret as always bowed to her wisdom. "Okay Nan we'll take things as they come but I am still going to keep a close eye on Adam." "I'm sure you will dear just don't forget Millicent needs your guidance to, she is such a precocious little girl." Margaret knew what Nan meant, Millicent was only eight but nothing seemed to faze her. Talk about curiosity killed the cat, that girl could get in so much trouble with that nose of hers. A loud rasping noise suddenly emanated from the nearby bedroom. "I think grandpa Blunt is awake Nana shall I fetch him a cuppa?" "Don't fret child I'll tend to the old goat, you go about your way and tend to your own needs." "Nana don't call grandpa such names," admonished a giggly Margaret she knew Nana meant it as a term of endearment but it amused her as to how her elders would refer to one another" I suppose I could go tidy my room." "Go have some fun lassie and stop worrying about household chores, leave something for your mother to do." Such a fastidious child Nana mused as she went to tend to grandpa. I just wish she wouldn't carry the weight of the world around with her. Margaret caught herself peering out of the window again. Where has he got to she wondered, Adam often went off on long walks alone, any offers of company were politely declined as he claimed he enjoyed the solitude for quiet reflection. But she knew there was another reason he went off on his own, not that Adam knew that she knew. Oops too many knews' but you know what I mean, no more knows for a while. "Maggie, whatya doin' Maggie! Margaret was shaken out of her revelry by her boisterous little sister, a bouncing ball of energy that would brighten the darkest of rooms. You may imagine that Millicent was a tomboy but nothing could be further from the truth. Actually Millicent was the epitome of femininity, yes the old clich? dictionary get the picture? A girlie, girl full of a zest for life always in a pretty dress no place for slacks in her wardrobe. Filled with an infinite exuberance and constant need to know anything and everything that piqued her interest, her beautiful golden locks fell to her waist in a delightful cascade of curls, it shone like a halo under a summer sun. Don't be fooled by the wrapping though, anyone who crossed her or the people she cared for faced a tempest of fury that would send them running for the hills. "Good morning Millicent do you want some breakfast to start the day?" "That's okay thanks Margie I'll just help myself to some cereal and o j." Margaret cringed inwardly at the name reference her sister used, Millicent knew how much it irked her but a scolding would only encourage her to use the term all the more. Millicent gave sly side glances towards her sister to assess her mood, such a worry horse, if only she would chill out sometimes and stop clucking like a mother hen. After all they had a mother to fill that role. She did love her sister dearly and always went to her rather than mammy if she had any problems she wanted advice on. I suppose the apple doesn't fall far from the tree as grandpa Blunt would say. Margaret had inherited her looks from mum, with the same plump cheeks those lovely hazel eyes that seemed to slant upwards slightly to hint at a slightly exotic look and most adorable of all was the subtle cleft on her chin, unbecoming for many women maybe but it just set Margaret's natural good looks off to a tee. Millicent nagged her to her grow her short strawberry blonde hair longer as it would enhance the shape of her face. Too much maintenance she would grumble got better things to do with my time. If only her sister took more interest in clothes and other girly pursuits they could have so much more fun together, oh well at least she had her good friend to share clothes and what little make up she was allowed for an eight year old girl. Still, if only. Sigh. "Is Adam off on one of his long walks again?" "Yes but he's been gone longer than usual I'm worried someone may have seen him... well you know." Margaret fought to repress her tears as each passing moment increased her anxiety. "I'm sure he will be ok sis you know how careful he is, no one's seen him yet." Millicent gave her a comforting hug in the vain hope it would ease her obvious distress. "But we've seen him," Margaret replied in an almost inaudible whisper resonating a tinge of fear. "What if God forbid Billy Le..." "That pig!" shrilled a now thoroughly riled Millicent at the very mention of that hateful name. Just the mention of that boy's name could send her into one of her infamous furies. "If he ever lays one finger on our Adam again I swear I will find a way to visit upon him a thousand pains. Now every village has to have the obligatory village idiot and our villain of the peace certainly qualified for that role, he even found time to fulfil another role as full time bully. Yes Billy Le Knut was a very busy boy indeed at the tender age of thirteen we can safely say with no fear of libel that Billy was an evil little pr!"*! Poor Adam was always on Billy's radar, even though Adam was the same age he could not equal him in physical stature. Imagine if you will David and Goliath then you get an idea of the disparity between the pair, only this time round David got an absolute pummelling. To explain this unpleasant encounter, (for Adam anyways) allow me to hark back several months. It all kicked off at the purple heather festival, an annual village festival to celebrate the culmination of all the work put into fermenting the purple flowering tips harvested from the wild heather that grew in abundance on the surrounding hills. If you feel the inclination to make some of this brew then boil the purple flower tips along with Scottish malts and wild myrtle leaves, this will extract the nectar thus giving flavour to the liquid, leave to ferment for a while and voila you have purple heather ale. Anyway I digress too much. The festival allowed the chance to attend in fancy dress and of course the Andersen children could not let such an opportunity pass them by. Predictably Margaret was her usual conservative self and plumped for a Little Beau Peep outfit. Millicent on the other hand just had to pick the most outrageous outfit she could think of, well who other than Lady Ga Ga? Poor Adam was a big fan of David Bowie and after being besieged by an unrelenting Millicent he reluctantly agreed to accompany her Lady Ga Ga. You can imagine the fun Millicent had aiding him on putting on the make up after he had donned his gold lame jumpsuit. They were aiming for the androgynous look akin to Ziggy Stardust. Unfortunately for Adam what with his delicate bone structure it would be fair to say he looked like a pretty girl trying to emulate Ziggy. Millicent was delighted with her handiwork and reassured him that he was the spitting image of his musical hero. Adam as usual dropped his weak protestation after an onslaught of his sister's enthusiasm. It made for a curious spectacle I can tell you, to see Little Beau Peep clutching her staff and the oversized toy lamb tucked under her arm. What with Ziggy Stardust and Lady Ga Ga flanking her sides it turned many an eye. The village square was swamped with an assortment of stalls selling various local produce and many other wares. What really enticed the children was the travelling funfair which drew them in like bees to honey. Everything was going swimmingly well until that fateful moment when Adam's world came crashing down. Having had one glass too many of fizzy pop Adam felt the call of duty bidding, so he departed from the girls and dutifully proceeded to the toilet. Once there he discovered he had a problem using the urinals due to his one piece jumpsuit so he retired to a stall. After much fumbling with the zip he eventually found relief and reapplied his costume. Adam was diligently washing his hands when a large shadow loomed over his small frame. "Well what do we have here, is it a little pretty boy I see before me?" "Or maybe it's a little girly got lost and just wandered into the wrong toilets" Where's your mummy little girl? Are you going to cry 'cause, you can't find her?" Adam stood paralyzed with fear looking up at the odious boy bearing down on him, a silly thought flashed through his dulled brain that he was about to be eaten by an ogre. Fe Fi Fo Fum! Billy Le Knut was a big ugly brute much too overweight than a boy of thirteen had any right to be. His buzz cut head added to the menace he imbued, his crooked bulbous nose was testament to his violent nature, not to mention the missing teeth. What teeth he had left were yellow stained through neglect of personal hygiene. They looked even worse up close and personal when seen through his thin sneering lips. Adam was in serious trouble and he knew it, his stomach was knotted in fear, he wanted desperately to throw up and Billy's rancid breath was not helping matters any. "What's the matter little girl, cat got your tongue? Come here and let Billy kiss you all better." This was all the impetus Adam needed to attempt an escape, nimbly he side stepped Billy, ducking at the same time, if he could just make it to the door he knew he could outrun the heavy lumbering ogre. Alas, it was not meant to be due to a cruel twist of fate, just as he almost outsmarted his nemesis he slipped on a wet patch on the floor and his feet betrayed him. Billy grabbed his arm and threw him against the wall like a ragdoll with a horrid look of glee spreading over his mutilated face. Adam was too stunned and winded to resist, he looked into the face of evil and resigned himself to his fate. Billy was in his element now he fed off the fear that his prey was emanating. This little pansy excuse for a boy was going to get what he deserved, oh yes he had it coming, no real boy would parade about in that get up, shit he was an embarrassment to real men. "Get up you quivering little freak and fight like a man!" snarled Billy Adam was the proverbial rabbit, he just couldn't move not even to preserve his life, his limbs felt heavy as lead. This was a no contest in Billy's eyes but that didn't matter to him. The feeling of power over the little fuck wit was manna to him, or so his deranged mind decreed. "I'm going to mash you up real good you little sissy boy freak!" Adam saw the lumbering ogre move toward him and braced himself for pain. He knew resistance was futile it would only prolong the agony. He felt the fat stubby fingers roughly grabbing his slim wrist and started to slowly twist, oddly Adam could only fixate on those ghastly finger nails, how much more dirt could they hold he wondered as he distanced himself from his plight. Then inevitable pain shot up his arm like a bolt of lightning, excruciating red hot pain and an awful pop in the region of his shoulder. Bravely Adam tried not to scream and give this perverted monster any satisfaction from his suffering. It was hard not to give in to the encompassing pain. It was the only awareness of his existence, mercifully the pressure eased off his arm. Unfortunately the word mercy did not reside in Billy's limited vocabulary as he went about his handiwork. A sudden impact slammed into Adams stomach taking his breath away, can't breathe, can't breathe was all he could think as he tried to stave off the rising panic. A crushing blow to his ribs was followed rapidly by a blow to the eye socket, Adam was petrified, not the nose, please not the nose he prayed, he didn't want to resemble this beast in any shape or form, he would rather die. Loud inebriated voices could be heard approaching the toilets, obviously whoever they were had imbibed a bit too much of the purple heather ale. "Count yourself lucky you little turd, I was only just getting started," and with a parting shot, Adam met Billy's fist on the side of the head sending a ringing vibration all around his inner skull. Barely seeing Billy take to his feet or feeling any relief that his ordeal was finally over Adam passed out. To cut a long story a bit shorter allow me if I may to provide a synopsis regarding the rest of the whole sorry affair. Adam woke up in the first aid tent to the kindly administrations of Ethel the regional district nurse. Mum and Margaret certainly were not making it easy for her, what with all their fussing around but Ethel was a large portly woman to put it politely and only just managed to fend them off. Typical Millicent was jumping up and down in uncontrolled fury "I'll kill him I will I'll kill him." "Now Millicent, violence is never the answer," admonished mother, "violence only breeds violence." "But look what he did to our Adam!" screamed Millicent. "Your dad has gone to talk to Billy's father don't stress so much dear." Billy was infamous within the village, all the residents were very aware of the shenanigans that the vile boy was capable of. It didn't take a brain surgeon to add it all up when Billy was observed fleeing the toilet in his wobbly gait, leaving Adam crumpled on the floor. And with the physique Billy possessed he never ran unless he had to. "It's not as bad as it looks," Nurse Ethel announced in her bellowing manner as if everyone was partially deaf, actually Ethel was partially deaf. "The worst damage was a dislocated shoulder which I popped into place while Adam was out for the count, the rest of the wounds are all superficial he's almost as good as new," she bellowed. Millicent couldn't resist the temptation to stick her fingers in her ears to lessen the volume coming out of Ethel's mouth, and I thought I was the loudest person in the world she mused but I don't have a patch on her. As for the rest, as tempted as they were, politeness dictated they refrained from doing so. Oh to have the freedom of a precocious eight year old girl! Adam was taking umbrage at being described "as good as new" he was in pain all over. "Come on darling let's get you home and get plenty of bed rest." Mother could fuss around quite a lot, hmm what was it about the apple not falling far from the tree? Margaret was hanging on to Mother's arm nodding her head vigorously in agreement. Overwhelmed by the love of his family Adam shed a solitary tear which he hoped no one noticed. No one did, they were too busy fussing over him. No one that is except for Margaret, well what did you expect, she does have the gift of extraordinary insight. On arriving home they witnessed a very unfamiliar scene unfolding in the lounge. The usually laid back head of the family was displaying a rather unusual scarlet red hue about his personage well allow me to add a bit of dramatic licence, it is my story after all. Okay, father's face was a beetroot red (does that sound better?) "Whatever is the matter Lancaster?" mother enquired "Joyce you will never believe what happened when I went to visit Billy's father, the audacity of the man!" "Didn't he listen to you dear?" Poor Joyce was beside herself, she had never seen her loving husband in such an agitated state before. Lancaster realised he was frightening his children by his angry demeanour so he bit his tongue and with the greatest of effort he tried to give the impression of calmness, on the exterior if nothing else. "Not in front of the children darling we shall discuss it later," murmuring in his wife's ear out of the curious children's hearing range. Joyce gave her husband a slight nod of understanding that would be imperceptible by the children. And it worked, well almost, what did I say about Margaret? She could pick up on these social nuances to. Joyce pulled herself together she knew she had to be strong for her family's sake. "Margaret, Millicent, take Adam to his room and make sure he is well looked after." "Yes mammy" the girls replied in unison, at that prompting the sisters gently took a hand each and guided Adam to his room. As for Adam he was in so much pain and a weary fatigue was descending upon him, maybe it was delayed shock after all the day's events, all he wanted was to close his eyes and drift off into blissful dreamless sleep. Joyce checked the lounge door that led to the hallway to ensure the children were out of hearing range. "Lancaster what is angering you so much, I've never seen you so enraged in all the time I've known you?" "I'm so sorry for my behaviour my love, the sight of you and the children made me realise I was reducing myself to his level." Joyce was bewildered, "Who's level Lank? Talk to me, you're not making any sense at the moment." "I really could do with a stiff drink to settle my nerves. Joyce, would you mind fetching me a low flyer?" "Of course not my dear, you look ready to burst, sit down and try to relax." "Oh and darling I think you should pour yourself a large Brandy, I think you might need it." Lancaster slumped into his favourite armchair with a feeling of utter helplessness weighing down on his heart. He tried to console himself in the fact that Nana and grandpa were sound asleep and oblivious to this whole debacle. Joyce returned with the drinks, a look of concern on her handsome face. A woman of beauty in her youth she had accepted the passage of the years and grew older with good grace. She had borne three beautiful children within her womb, what could be more important than that? All the stories she had heard about mothers going to any length to protect their babies, some were probably urban myths but she got the gest. All her babies received unconditional love, each in equal measure. She would fight tooth and nail to protect her cherubs. Then why did she feel such guilt that she was not there to protect Adam from harm, she had let her precious son down. "Joyce dear, my drink," Lank enquired to nudge her out of her trance. "Sorry honey, I was miles away for a moment there." His wife handed him a tumbler containing a generous measure of whisky. "I understand dear it's been a trying day for all of us to say the least." Lank looked a bit more like his old self Joyce thought. "Please tell me Lank what got you worked up to such a state?" Lank looked over towards his wife and counted his blessings, he could never quite understand what this vision of beauty ever saw in him, yet she willingly married him anyway. This was bearing down hard on Lancaster he had let his beloved family down today. He was in the pen is mightier than the sword school of thought, a peace loving man ,but how do you deal with people who are of stunted growth both psychologically and emotionally. "Lancaster, are you still with me?" Joyce enquired. Shaken out of his thoughts Lancaster gave his wife an apologetic smile in the hope it would ease the tension that was apparent on her lovely face. "Just gathering my thoughts dear," he reassured her. "Then tell me what made you so upset," Joyce almost demanded, her patience getting the better of her. "Well dear," Lancaster replied tentatively. "I thought I could reason with the man and inform him about his son's rather unacceptable behaviour and, well ah ahem...." "What Lank what did he say!" Joyce was getting impatient now. "He is such a bullish man Joyce he just said boys will be boys and then he actually laughed. I tried to explain that there was no instigation by Adam to warrant such brutality and that it was an unprovoked assault perpetrated by Billy." "And then! Joyce's voice was like cold steel, hard and undulating, what else did he say Lancaster?" "He asked me if there were any witnesses to back up my accusations, well I could only tell the truth, after all only two people saw Billy quick foot it out of there and it is no crime to be jogging, as he so eloquently put it." "We have to call the police this has to be dealt with now before that despicable boy seriously hurts Adam." Joyce still carried that ring of steel in her voice. It did not go unnoticed by Lancaster either, how could he broach the subject without raising his wife's ire, as if that was possible. "Honey you've forgotten one important detail." "What!" she demanded rather curtly. "Our village bobby just so happens to be P.C. Le Knut" a crestfallen Lancaster replied. Realization slowly dawned on Joyce's face, amidst all the drama of the day she had forgot who Billy Le Knut's father was. "Oh my goodness what are we going to do Lancaster?" "I'll tell you what you are going to do young lady," Lancaster and Joyce almost jumped out of their chairs at the sound of this resolute voice pervading there lounge, it was brimming with authority and demanded to be listened to with the utmost respect. Nana Blunt strode in with such vigour, it defied her ninety two years of life on this mortal coil. "Mother you should be resting," Joyce was shocked at the visage of this woman who had been her bedrock from the time she took her first faltering steps. She had never seen her looking so regal. A tall imposing woman with a face that told a story within the light wrinkles which adorned her handsome face, despite almost a century of life you could still see a hint of the beauty and vibrancy which she had once possessed in her youth. Lancaster tried to regain a modicum of composure, "Nina he sputtered, please do not let this concern you, why don't you go and enjoy your bed rest?" Although Lank would never admit it he adored this lady, she emanated an aura of strength and confidence which always served to inspire him. If the truth be known in the early years of courting Joyce he felt a little intimidated in the presence of the charismatic Nina Blunt, but with the passage of time he came to understand that once the outer layer was peeled away there lay an infinite amount of love and compassion. "Don't you Nina me young man, you will not broach my first name I am nana to the children and mother to you both, that is what defines me within this family and that is how you will address me." Poor Lank lost what composure he had tried so hard to regain after Nina's dramatic entrance. "I'm sorry Nina I mean Nana Oh ah... Mother," Lank was really getting in a fluster. "Enough of this tittle tattle," demanded Nana Nina. Nana, Nina? Oh dear these names are getting a bit confusing for this simple narrator, let's just defer to her as mother or nana. I'm only human okay? Hmm well maybe not quite, anyway where were we. Oh yes I remember. Nana Blunt commanded the room as the two adults were like cowed children after receiving a reprimand for being naughty. "Listen to me now, here is what we do." Nana paused mid, sentence to ensure she had there undivided attention. Satisfied that she had, she proceeded with authority. "We do nothing!" An adamant Nana Blunt declared. Lank and Joyce's faces were a picture to behold. I wish I'd had a camera with me to capture that image for posterity. Oops pardon me for interrupting I'm just a silly narrator. A stunned silence filled the room as the parents tried to digest Nana's declaration. Joyce was the first to recover, "We have to do something mother, a wrong has to be righted." "And it will be child of mine there are more ways to disperse justice other than man made laws." Is mother finally going senile? A worried Joyce mulled. As for Lank, he sat there lost for words and he dare not raise the ire of this imposing woman who seemed to be on a mission, her face looked like it was set in stone and no one could deter her plans for the future of this family. "Uh Ni...mother just what are you proposing?" A tentative Lank enquired. "Did you not hear me Lancaster? We do nothing, trust in the powers that be and allow everything to follow its natural course." "Mamma, are you feeling alright?" Joyce was getting rather worried about her mother's state of mind and had reverted back to addressing her as mama as she had referred to her in childhood. "Nana Blunt gave her daughter a stern look and gazed intently into her eyes. That look convinced Joyce that her mother was sane and serious, she felt like little girl again being rebutted for doing something naughty. "Joyce, have I ever let you down in your entire life?" Nana asked in a hushed tone that still carried authority. "Have I ever given you reason to mistrust my judgement?" "I'm so sorry mamma, I have never had any reason to doubt you, I would trust you with my children's lives, please forgive me mamma." Try as she might Joyce could not contain her tears anymore, a well spring sprung forth and streamed down her rosy cheeks. This day had been too overwhelming and she felt bereft and so helpless. An alarmed Lank rose himself from his armchair and strode to the couch, it felt like his whole world was crashing down upon him. Joyce felt a familiar pair of arms entwine her and reached out to reciprocate, the reassuring scent of her husband consoled her and she began to gather herself. Nana Blunt looked on with pride at the scene unfolding before her, she knew Lank was full of insecurities but she was also aware that this man was stronger than he realised himself. Yes Lank had his foibles but that was what made him a man he was not afraid to show his emotions when it came to his families welfare. "So are we agreed?" Nana Blunt asked gently. Lank and Joyce looked into each other's eyes and came to the same decision no words were required between two soul mates who had been married as long as these two lovers. "Yes mamma we shall allow things to follow their natural course." Joyce found comfort in the fact that a decision had been made. Lank swallowed hard in an effort to choke back his emotion. "I love you mother and I've always respected your judgement we shall bow to your wisdom." Nana Blunt nodded her head in satisfaction. "We are decided then, the path we have chosen will not be a smooth one, there will be trials and tribulations but we must persevere and remember children I will always be here even when it may seem I am absent. "Whatever do you mean mamma, you're frightening me now." Joyce was beginning to feel unsettled again the very air seemed all pervading with a sense of doom. "Fear not child, Nana Blunt reassured, persevere and be content with my promise that all will be well." "Mother we shall abide by the decision we have made here tonight, although I don't understand all you say." Lank had lost his usual jovial manner what with all the day's events. "We are not meant to see into the future Lancaster, that is why we have faith and hope, without these qualities what would define us as human?" "Oh mamma you make me feel like your little girl all over again, Joyce exclaimed, you always guided me down the right path and all that I have which I hold most dear came about by your guidance." Joyce rose from the couch, she felt an overwhelming need to embrace this wonderful woman who had borne her, loved and nurtured her throughout her childhood. Nana Blunt whispered into her ear. "Stand tall girl, there are difficult times ahead but you must endure." Taken aback at her mother's words Joyce could only comply and nod her head in agreement. And with that Nana rose from her rocking chair and suggested they should all retire to bed and gather strength. Oh dear, did I say synopsis a little while ago? I'm only the silly narrator trying to impart a story, please forgive me if I start to ramble once in a while. Let us proceed to the present. "I think we should go to the woods and search for him." A subdued Millicent suggested. The wood's was a local small forest that was one of Adam's favourite haunts which afforded him the privacy to be himself. "I don't know." Margaret was reluctant to cause her brother any distress if he was... well we shall not go there. "Could you live with yourself if he has been hurt and lying helplessly injured all alone?" chided Millicent. "You know I would never forgive myself if any harm came to Adam but you know how he likes his privacy." "Well I don't care about privacy any more I'm going to find him, are you coming or not?" Margaret did not fail to notice the petulance in Millicent's voice and knew her sister was on a mission, once she set her mind to a task she was unstoppable. "Shall we start at the pavilion by the pond?" Margaret conceded to her sister's course of action. "I think that's the best place to start he always seems to hang around that area." Millicent calmed down, happy that her decision had been accepted by her big sister. The pavilion was really a wooden shack in the middle of the woods, used only in winter as a changing room for the curling and ice hockey brigade who took advantage of the pond when it froze over. Unfortunately for these intrepid ice skaters this winter had been too mild to safely negotiate the ice. The sisters wrapped up snuggly in their duffle coats and scarves as there was a nip in the air, even though the sun shone brightly in a vain effort to rid the chill on another wise lovely day. The girls reached the wood quickly after making haste at a brisk pace, the village had been deserted as they passed through this early in the morning, only the clanking of milk bottles could be heard nearby as the milkman delivered his rounds. Margaret opened the gate which creaked loudly on its rusty hinges disturbing several robin redbreasts and sending them off in full flight from their warm abode. The anxious pair followed the dirt path until they reached a small wooden bridge straddling over a gushing brook. They faced a dilemma at this point as several paths forked off in various directions, the whole wood was a warren of paths created either by the constant patter of rabbits feet or the forestry commission dragging logs with a big Massey Ferguson and also the widest path of all which was an unused railway track abandoned after world war two. "Maybe we should split up and meet at the pavilion." Margaret suggested "No let's go to the pavilion first it's only a five minute walk." Millicent was unusually subdued. She would never admit it but she found the silence of the woods creepy and didn't want to be alone. For all her bravado earlier she was relieved Margaret had agreed to accompany her. Margaret noticed her sister's discomfort but said nothing she gave a nod and proceeded down the path which led to the pavilion. It was so beautiful and serene with the sound of birdsong and the sun's rays breaking through the leafless canopy lending a golden hue in the chill air. Margaret could empathise with Adams love for this little haven it was a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. She was shaken out of her musings by a suddenly excited little sister. "Did you hear that Margie?" exclaimed an agitated Millicent. Margaret winced at the name term, but was distracted by a keen wailing sound, maybe it was a bird she thought, there it was again and she realised it was a human sound of someone in great distress, she instinctively knew it was Adam. The girls looked at one another in wide eyed surprise, "Adam!" They screamed in unison and took to their heels as one. It looked as if the devil himself was chasing them. In no time at all they reached the clearing with the pavilion in sight, adjacent to the large pond, although to the girls it seemed to take an age. The source of the pain could be seen and heard at a near distance, a solitary figure sat upon the wooden steps leading up to the pavilion door. His torso was doubled over with his head resting in his lap and arms wrapped around the back of head as if in a desperate attempt to shut the world out. Margaret could feel his pain even at this distance, it felt as if someone had reached into her heart and wrenched it out, oh dear God how much more pain was Adam feeling, she could barely imagine. She was shaken out of her stupor by a screaming Millicent careering head long towards her brother as if her life depended on it. "Adam! Adam!" Millicent's shrill voice pierced the chill air and echoed around the clearing, it sounded as if a hound from hell had been let loose. It was loud enough to assault Adams ears as he looked up to see the mortifying sight of his sisters sprinting toward him. "Nnnnoooo!" he wailed "Go away you mustn't see me like this, go away please!" beseeched a desperate Adam. It was to no avail of course, fire and brimstone could not keep his loving sisters away in his time of need. "It's okay Adam we've known for months now, please don't feel ashamed we love you for the person you are, we understand honestly we do." Margaret was trying to placate and reassure Adam at the same time, which took some effort as she tried to regain her breath after the long sprint to reach her brother. She was not the most athletic of girls. Millicent tried to wrap her arms around her brother in an attempt to provide comfort but he quickly shied away in avoidance, of course Millicent being Millicent would not be deterred she grasped his hand and hung on for dear life. Adam tried to avoid those piercing blue eyes that his youngest sister fixed intently upon his face in an effort to get his full attention, those very same eyes he normally adored. He often thought he could drown in those pools if he looked into them for too long. They were such a vivid shade of blue that sparkled and exuded such a positive energy and zest for life. Whoever said the eyes are the window to the soul was a very wise person indeed. If he'd only summon the courage he would see eyes full of love and compassion and no recrimination. "Adam, nothing's changed, we love you dearly and adore you, we only want to help, please let us dear brother." Millicent could be very gentle when the need arose. "I'm a freak, just a pathetic waste of space," howled Adam," look at me, look at how ridiculous your big brother is, oh God I just want to die I wish it was all over I just want the pain to stop. Contrary to Adams comment the girls thought their brother looked very fetching in his apparel. Attired in a pink hooded sweater with the pineapple logo displayed across the chest hiding what appeared to be slightly protruding mounds, to complete the outfit Adam wore a blue denim mini skirt and his legs were clad in shiny black opaque tights. (40 denier Millicent guessed, but Margaret knew for certain, because they were still in the wrapper when they disappeared from her room several months ago) "Adam you look beautiful, anyone who didn't know would swear you was a girl." Margaret meant it as she always thought Adam looked too pretty to be a boy." "Sis is right bro' or should I say sis number one cause you are the oldest of us girls." Millicent always had to get her tuppence worth in. "I love your hair how did you manage to curl it like that?" "Stop mocking me I know my life is over please, leave me alone," Adam was on the verge of tears again. "We're not," protested a vehement Margaret who was slightly shocked that her brother would even think his sisters' were capable of such a thing," I would never lie to you and I know I'm talking for Millicent too." Millicent was vigorously nodding her head in agreement. "I really do like what you've done with your hair that cute little bob really frames your face and that hint of makeup really shows of your cheekbones." Millicent was on a roll now. "Hooray at last I've got a big sister with style, who loves fashion and cosmetics." "Shut up you." Margaret playfully nudged her sister in the ribs, "I have fashion sense it's just more sophisticated than yours." "In your dreams Margi," retorted an indignant Maggie. An overwhelming warmth of love enveloped Adam's chilled body, he knew his clothes were inappropriate in this cold weather, not to mention the fact he was a boy. Here he stood in the middle of the wood dressed in a mini skirt and tights in the company of his sisters who were more intent on heckling one another than ridiculing him. They had not batted an eyelid. It was as if it was the most natural thing in the world to them, just three sisters out for a morning stroll. "Margaret, Millicent, I could really use a hug right now." Squeaked Adam as his voice waivered and tears flowed freely down his cheek washing some of his pain away. Both girls immediately stopped their bickering and made a dash for Adam, arms spread akimbo as if they were both racing for first prize. It was an effort for Adam to maintain his footing as the girls collided into him with flailing arms wrapping him in a warm cocoon of hugs, he was almost suffocated but Adam had no complaints. After loads of comforting hugs and pecking Adam did finally come up for air and felt a hundred times better than he did ten minutes earlier, he still had a heavy heart when his mind was jolted to the awful encounter he'd endured almost an hour ago. "What's wrong Adam?" enquired a concerned Margaret as she noticed his crestfallen face. "How did the back of your skirt get all dirty? "Oh and your pretty sweater has mud smears down the back, let me try to clean it off." Millicent started to rub the worst of it with the heel of her hand. Adam side stepped to avoid her ministration, "It doesn't matter anyway after today I'm never going to wear them again in fact I'd weigh them down with a stone and fling them as far into the pond as I could, then I would tie stones to myself and follow them in." The girls looked awe struck at what he just proposed the steely determination in the tone of his voice frightened them even more. Millicent was so upset she started to bawl her eyes out. On seeing the pain he had inflicted on his sweet little sister his face gave way to an expression of instant regret. How could I let my own self, pity hurt those dearest to me? I am a waste of space if only I could curl up under a stone and die with no one noticing, he thought. The site of a crying Millicent was breaking his heart and compounding the guilt he felt, he reached out and gently pulled the tender little girl into his embrace. "I'm so sorry little sis' I didn't really mean it, I promise I'll never do anything as dreadful as that, it's just that life is very hard for me at the moment. "Millicent, feeling consoled stemmed her tears and ceased her crying. "Promise you'll never leave us Adam, I couldn't bear it if anything bad happened to you." Adam look down at his sister's tear stained innocent eyes, it pained him so much to know he was responsible for dulling those usually vibrant sparkling eyes which he admired so much, what sort of monster was he? Was he any better than Billy Le Knut who dispensed pain to all and sunder? Millicent was asking for a promise he couldn't fulfil, he knew he had to run away from the village and leave the family he loved so dearly. Margaret saw the look of indecision flit over her brother's face and decided to intervene. "Something happened in the woods this morning didn't it Adam?" Good reliable Margaret, that gift of insight never fails. "That's why you never came home for breakfast at your usual time, I know what a stickler for punctuality you are, why do you think we came looking for you?" Realization dawned on Millicent too, even an eight year old could comprehend something was wrong with this scenario. "Adam how did you get so dirty, you are almost as fussy as me when it comes to keeping clean?" On closer scrutiny little sister saw the bruises on her brother's neck. "Oh my goodness, Adam you're hurt what happened?" Adam swallowed deeply, this was a line of questioning he had hoped to avoid, if they found out Margaret might cotton onto his intention of running away. He could almost swear his sister could predict the future. "Billy Le Knut saw me, I think he followed me into the woods and spied on me." Adam caved in and confessed all. "I was very careful as I always am, but he sprang out from that oak tree over there and caught me by surprise." "Oh Adam how did you escape that vicious brute?" a rapt Millicent enquired. "It was surprisingly easy really, he grabbed me by the neck and ranted on about something that it was my fault he got a whipping from his master, I'm sure he was crying 'cause I felt his grip loosen and I managed to squirm out from beneath him and I just took to my heels and ran." Margaret and Millicent felt the need to comfort their brother once again with flailing arms and lots of hugs, Adam didn't complain. The morning was moving on and Margaret thought they really should be arriving home before their elders noticed they were missing. "Where's your boy clothes Adam?" Margaret asked. "They're gone, when I was sure I had given Billy the slip I returned to fetch my satchel but it's not where I left it." There was an edge of panic in Adam's voice. "I can't go home like this, what if I'm seen?" "Calm down Adam, lets search again maybe you was so upset you looked in the wrong place." Adam shook his head sullenly, "there's no point sis I always hide them in the same place under the pavilion. I just know Billy took them before I got back." Adam' face crumpled as he realised he felt like a cornered mouse with nowhere to turn. "Don't upset yourself we'll think of something," soothed Margaret. Meanwhile Millicent was turning a strange shade of purple and a feeling of outrage was building within her petite frame. How dare that lumbering brute hurt her beloved brother, AGAIN! "I'll kill him, I'll kill him, I will, I'll kill that ghastly Billy Le Knut!" Hell hath no fury like a Millicent scorned! Adam and Margaret forgot about their current predicament as they looked on at this spectacle unfolding before them. It was a vision to behold as this tempestuous little girl of whom they loved dearly was jumping up and down on the spot with her delicate little hands curled into tiny fists punching the air, most probably imagining Billy Le Knut on the receiving end. Good job it was not the season for midges as they wouldn't have survived such an onslaught. Her two siblings just couldn't contain their amusement any longer and burst into a hysterical fit of giggles. Millicent froze on the spot she had been furiously jumping on and looked at her "sisters" who were bent double with laughter, clutching their bellies with tears rolling down their faces. Why were they laughing she wondered, had she missed out on something? A frown slowly formed on Millicent's face which only served to feed her "sisters" amusement. "What's so funny?" Demanded an indignant Millicent, "Tell me what's so funny!" "Now, now, Millicent you know violence is never the answer." Adam mimicked their mother's voice flawlessly. "Well I heard grandpa say something about fighting fire with fire." Millicent was very proud of her clever reply. Margaret ,as ever the practical one interjected, "let's not get into all the things adults say, it's getting late and we have to get Adam home before the village folk go about their business. "I could run home and fetch Adam some boy clothes, volunteered Millicent, although I think the nice ones he is wearing suit him much better. Adams cheeks coloured slightly, but privately he felt quite flattered, "hey I'm still here you know?" He felt he was being left out of the decision making. "We know your still here with us Adam and we're all going home together so come dear sisters' of mine lets go." There was a slight tone of mischief in Margaret's voice. "Sis, you know I can't walk through the village like this," Adam was aghast at the very thought, "I'll be a laughing stock soon enough when Billy tells everyone, but that doesn't mean I should display myself to everyone in the village." "Take off your sweater," Margaret felt in her element again, organising things for the smooth running of her family. "Are you crazy Margaret?" Adam thought she had really lost her noodle, after all the chilly morning was now invading his bones and he was almost shivering. "I've got enough noodles to get us all home safely," she admonished "so get that sweater off right now!" Margaret had some foibles and she could come across a bit bossy sometimes, but it was only because she wanted the best for her family. Knowing better than to protest any further a reluctant Adam began pulling the sweater over his head, after much rugging and tugging, he eventually succeeded. It was one of Margaret's tops that he had pilfered after all and it was a bit tight on him. "Margaret why have you taken off your duffle coat, a concerned Adam enquired, put it back on or you'll catch your death in this cold. "Swap", she ordered, "my coat and scarf for your sweater." Realisation began to dawn on Adam and he thought it might just work. Bright as a button little Millicent caught on too. "You really are so clever big sis," a complimentary Millicent admired. "I do have my moments little sis' of mine." Margaret tried to hide her pride but she inwardly patted herself on the back for this little master stroke of hers. "I think this will work," remarked Adam, "as long as no one approaches us directly, but I can't walk into the house dressed like this." "Fear not my fictional cousin should anyone approach you, hood up, and scarf over your chin, got the idea cousin?" Adam was growing in confidence, he thought he could pull this off but there still remained the problem of getting past his parents without notice. Margaret knew how to overcome this problem but she intentionally didn't mention it hoping that her brother would gather the courage to be honest with their parents. "You know mammy and daddy really love us Adam?" Broached Margaret knowing this was a sensitive situation requiring all of her diplomacy. An inquisitive Adam gave all his attention to his inventive sister, wondering what she was scheming now. "Yes I know they love us lots sis." "They would understand you know if we just walked into the house and explained everything about today and how you really feel that you're a girl. Adam was horrified at the prospect although it held a certain appeal, he just was not ready to 'fess all to his parents, especially not dressed like this, it was too much too soon. Seeing the look of panic on her brother's face a sorry Margaret backtracked. "It's okay Adam we won't say anything, it's got to be your decision alone, I just hope you don't leave it too long, if Billy does tittle tattle they might hear silly gossip from one of the busy bodies in the village." Millicent had to have her say too. "We'll be there beside you sis when you're ready to tell mammy and daddy." It seemed Millicent had no problem adjusting to having another big sister to look up to. Adam felt overwhelmed at the support of these two beautiful sisters, why did he feel so depressed all the time when he had these gems in his life? It was a double edged sword he reminded himself, although his heart was filled with love for these two angels they were a constant reminder of what he could never be and yet yearned for. "I love you both so much, without you I don't think I'd have the strength to keep going, whatever happens please always remember that." As another bout of hugging ensued Margaret was reading into those words carefully and she knew Adam was planning something silly, but that problem could wait for later. "Come on girls, she cajoled, time is moving on lets go home." "But how do I get past the olds'?" Protested Adam "Please don't turn into a ditsy blonde, Margaret teased, we simply sneak in by the back gate and hide you in the garage while we go and smuggle some boy clothes out of your room." A red faced Adam felt a little silly. Margaret always was good at solving other people's problems, just a very young version of Nana Blunt he mused. Millicent pulled Adam by the hand." C'mon Ad..." I can't call my new big sister by a boy's name, that just would not do she decided emphatically. Then a flash of inspiration overcame the precocious little girl, oh how clever she was, well at least she thought so. "Come on Madeline let's get you home." Adam was taken aback at being referred to by a feminine name by his little sis. Margaret sniggered at her sister "you can't just name her like a stray dog you just found Millicent," she scolded. "I'm not," came the indignant retort, "I'm using Adams name and mixing the letters up and stretching it out. Who can fathom the logic of a precocious eight year old? "I think Adam should have a say in what name she wants to be called." Margaret saw her little sister's point "Adam" and "she" just didn't quite sound right in the same sentence. "Have you any thoughts on this Adam there must be some name you like?" Adam was blushing profusely as there was a name he always fantasised being called, had he been born a girl. "Amanda," he mumbled in embarrassment. The girls didn't quite hear him as it sounded rather muffled. "What was it you said?" Enquired an impatient Millicent "Amanda he spat out." His face had visibly coloured and you could almost swear, heat was emanating from his rosy cheeks. "Amanda, Amanda, Amanda." Millicent sang in a sing song voice as she pulled her newly christened new big sister along whilst skipping gaily along the path. Talk about a baptism of fire, there could be no resistance against this little force of nature, Adam/Amanda just passively followed as Millicent held his hand tightly and pulled him along behind her. Margaret trailed closely behind with a look of great amusement upon her face. As they approached the gate exiting the woods Adam felt what little courage he had mustered begin to fade, only to be replaced by very busy butterflies fluttering angrily in his stomach. Millicent felt his reluctance as he pulled against her relentless forward momentum. "Amanda what's the matter?" enquired, an inquisitive Millicent. "I don't think I can do this," Adam answered nervously. "It will be alright Amanda you have us to help you, if we do bump into anyone we'll do all the talking and you just keep quiet. Margaret ambled up to her siblings after lagging behind. She had stumbled upon a dense patch of snowdrops and couldn't resist picking a not inconsiderable amount, resulting in the oversized bunch of posies clutched in her hand. Seeing the reticent look on Adam's face Margaret's bossy mode came into play. "We must hurry Adam the quicker we are, the less chance of anyone spotting you." The thought of walking straight through the village in broad daylight, clad from head to toe in girls' clothing had turned his feet to lead. Margaret's duffle coat was a bright pink beacon clashing against the thin layer of snow which covered the landscape. "Pull your hood up and tug the scarf over your chin, there that's better, you've nothing to fear, we look like three girls on an early morning errand." "We'll put our hoods up to, so you won't stand out." Millicent chimed in' feeling the need to add her tuppence worth." Feeling more confident with his face partially hidden under the hood Adam bravely quick stepped through the gate before his courage failed him again. It was poor Millicent's turn to be tugged along as Adam squeezed her small hand tightly, finding it a source of comfort. Margaret followed behind the pair and dutifully closed the gate, what with the rusty hinge creaking and Millicent's squeaky protestations the startled Robin Redbreasts quickly fled their abode from the nearby tree. Someone really should oil that gate Margaret mused as she rushed to catch up with her "sisters." Ad/Amanda was walking at a brisk pace dragging his sister along seemingly oblivious to her yelps of annoyance. "Slow down girls, wait for me," complained a huffing and puffing girl as her breath emitted rapid puffs of steam in the frigid air. Did I mention Margaret was not the most athletic of girls? "I'm trying to!" Millicent wailed, "Amanda, slow down!" The ear piercing pleas' finally penetrated Ad/Amanda's grey matter and slowed his determined pace. "Sorry girls, but you did say we had to hurry Margaret." "Yes I did, but I didn't mean we had to do the four minute mile!" The breathless girl humped. An apologetic Ad/Amanda (?) released his/her (?) grip on little sis' hand. "Thank you for the return of my arm dear sister." Millicent massaged her elbow in an effort to ease the cramp. "Let's just walk at a more casual pace so as not to attract any undue attention," asserted Margaret. The trio set off for home arm in arm with a flighty looking Adam sandwiched in the middle. His eyes flitted from side to side, imagining every dark recess harboured an assailant who would instantly spring out and ambush him. Adam was unduly worried as a sleepy little village such as Brea hardly stirred this early on a Sunday morn'. Only a few early birds were bustling around as they purchased newspapers and sundries for their breakfast. To the casual observer there was nothing untoward with this scene of three girlfriends out for an early walk. After what seemed like an eternity they arrived at the rear gate of their quaint little cottage. There was sufficient coverage to sneak under the shade of apple trees to reach their goal discreetly. Margaret gently eased the side door to the garage open and peered in, "coast is clear," she beckoned the others inside. "Stay here Adam. I'll distract the olds' while Millicent gets your boy clothes. Adam was shivering as his adrenalin level had decreased, he watched the girls saunter innocently into the house. Fortunately only Nana Blunt was bustling around the kitchen. Margaret nudged her sister to go and fetch the clothes, nodding she skipped merrily to Adam' room. Hello Nana can I help you with anything?" Margaret tried to sound chirpier than she really felt. "Hello young lady where did you slip off too?" Nana Blunt observed the child's disposition had improved considerably since their last encounter, "I hope your sister hasn't been leading you astray, "remarked a brusque Nana. "Oh no, of course not Nana, Millicent and I decided to take in the morning air." A nervous Margaret tried to deflect the inquisition. "Look Nana I picked these lovely snowdrops just for you." Margaret gave her Nana the sweetest smile with her arm outstretched bearing the large posy of blooms. "Hmm...Nana Blunt eyed the child suspiciously. "That was very considerate child, thank you I'll put them in my blue china vase." Nana accepted the flowers and went in search of her favourite vase Millicent poked her head around the door frame a small impish grin firmly etched across her pretty face. She was delighted at all this sneaking around it was such a fun game. "I've got boy clothes," she tittered, "is it safe?" "Yes, but hurry," Margaret hissed, "I'm sure Nana is suspicious." Scurrying along the kitchen floor on her tippy toes Millicent was desperately trying to stifle her giggles. Margaret stayed in the kitchen keeping a wary eye on the door leading to the garage. In the meantime she started rattling pans deciding a bowl of sweet hot porridge and a steaming mug of cocoa would be the medicine Adam needed to thaw him out. Several minutes later a sheepish looking Adam scuffled into the kitchen followed by Mildred sporting a mischievous grin on her face. Margaret was always wary when she saw that look on little sis' it usually meant trouble and strife would quickly follow. She had been so busy studying Millicent it was only after Adam faced her that panic swiftly arose within. "What's wrong?" Margaret was unsettling him. "You've still got make up on Adam and your hair needs straightening, Millicent you lit...!" Her voice was drowned out by Millicent's hysterical giggles meanwhile Adam took flight and crashed headlong to his room. Margaret stood with hands on hips staring daggers at her sometimes infuriating little sister. A scolding would fall on deaf ears when the little madam was in this mood so she sharply turned on her heels and marched to the stove and tended Adam's porridge. Adam trudged into the kitchen and slumped into a chair, his temporary cheer had given way to a cloud of depression. A concerned Margaret rushed over with the bowl of porridge and steaming cocoa. "Eat some breakfast Adam, it will make you feel better," she urged. "I don't think I could hold anything down my stomach's in knots." Poor Adam had a deathly pallor Margaret hoped he hadn't caught pneumonia. A now dejected Millicent was full of regret for playing such a mean prank on her brother. "I'm so sorry Am...Adam I didn't mean to upset you." His little sis' coyly apologised. With great effort he managed to summon a smile to reassure Millicent, it was the whole sordid events of the day that weighed heavily upon him and that was of his own making. "You haven't upset me Millicent I don't think I would have made it through today without my two darling sisters. Millicent's face broke into a radiant smile that warmed Adam's heart. Of course this was the perfect cue for another bout of hugs. When they finished reassuring one another, they sat in comforting silence sipping their hot cocoa. They all felt the need for quiet reflection to digest the morning's drama as they savoured the much need steaming mugs of cocoa. As they neared the bottom of their mugs Margaret recalled her sister had plans for a day out with her friend to the nearby city of Aberdeen. "Millicent, don't you think you should get ready for your outing, we all know how long it takes, what with all your posing and primping. "I do not pose and primp!" an indignant Millicent sputtered in her cocoa mug. "Anyway I'm staying home to look after my big bro'." "No, I won't allow it," Adam chided. "You and your little friend Susan have been looking forward to seeing "The Little Mermaid" for weeks now." "I know but you really need me just now.